Carrier wave signal system



Oct. 8, 1946. A. L. MATTE CARRIERWAVE SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed Oct. 20

, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet l nvvs/v TOR v A. L. MATTE ATTORAEY Oct. 8, 1946. MATTE 2,408,794

CARRIER WAVE SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed Oct. 20, 1942 2 Sheets$heet 2 INVENTOR A. L. MATTE ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 8, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Telephone Laboratories,

Incorporated, New

York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application October 20, 1942, Serial No. 462,756

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to signal systems for transmitting intelligence and more particularly to such systems in which mark-to-space and space-to-mark transitions are individually transmitted as discrete alternating current impulses whose durations are both constant and independent of the length of the marking and spacing intervals.

Telegraph codes usually consist of combinations of spaces and marks of such duration and order as to distinguish individual characters. In certain instances, such as in submarine telegraph codes, more than two conditions may sometimes be used, but in all cases the principle i substantially the same. In well-known types of telegraph systems utilizing such codes, it is the usual practice to transmit current for the entire duration of either the marking or spacing interval, and to suppress the current or reverse its polarity during the other interval. Once transmission is commenced however, complete intelligence is supplied by the timing of the intervals between transitions from space-to-mark and mark-to-space. I

Impulse telegraph systems may be broadly divided into two types: firstly, those in which space-to-mark and mark-to-space transitions are generated at the sending end of the transmission circuit; and secondly, those in which such transitions are produced at the receiving end of the transmission circuit. In the usual type of alterhating current system in which the carrier current generated at the sending end is sustained on the line for the entire duration of marking or spacing transitions and suppressed during the converse operation, the average power obtaining on the line is relatively substantial. Similarly, in a system in which the marking or spacing transitions are produced at the receiving end, the amount 01 current sustained on the line constitutes a relatively large average. The present invention concerns a telegraph system arranged to transmit both marking and spacing transitions only for the time intervals required for the system to distinguish transitions, thereby utilizing substantially a minimum average amount of power to transmit a given amount of intelligence.

In multichannel signal systems where a plurality of discrete signal currents are amplified by the same line repeaters, the total amount of current on the line tends to approach the sum of the short time averages of the discrete signal currents when the number of channels is large. As this determines the power capacity of the line repeaters, the economy of the system as a whole is affected. In systems of the types known previously, the average amount of current is relatively high for the reasons that regulation and other purposes necessitate the transmission of current on the line during idle or marking periods. Consequently, there may exist relatively long time intervals where the majority of the telegraph circuits in such carrier systems will simultaneously transmit substantially their maximum values of current although no intelligence is being sent over the line. This condition may be particularly objectionable where both telegraph and telephone intelligence is transmitted on a common multichannel carrier circuit, such as a coaxial transmission line, for the reason that although the telegraph system may be transmitting no intelligence during the trafiic peak intervals of the telephone system, the telegraph system would tend to impose its maximum demand on the power carrying capacity of the common carrier circuit. In other words, the telegraph system would be imposing substantially its maximum demand on the carrier circuit from a power carrying standpoint during periods when the telegraph system is transmitting no intelligence,

The present invention contemplates a telegraph system such that impulses of carrier current are transmitted on a line for timing purposes only, the duration of such impulses per se from a time standpoint being only sufiicient to enable receiving apparatus to respond to and indicate the occurrence of transitions, and such that no carrier current is transmitted on the line at other times.

The main object of the invention is to transmit telegraph code signals in one channel of a multichannel carrier circuit such that substantially identical impulses of carrier current indicate only space-to-mark and mark-to-space transitions.

Another object is to employ substantiallyv a minimum amount of electrical power in order to transmit a given amount intelligence.

A further object is to eliminate all line current during intervals in which no intelligence is being transmitted.

Still another object is to obviate the necessity of maintaining current on the line during idle periods for level compensation purposes,

A still further object is to translate direct current signals of conventional type into transitiona1 alternating current pulses.

Another object is totranslate alternating current transitional pulses into conventional direct current signals.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention comprises sending and receiving loops operated by direct current and connected together by a line arranged to transmit alternating current. At the sending end, signals originate in the sending loop as periods of direct current flow corresponding to marks, and as periods of no current now corresponding to spaces. The successive periods of current and no current in the sending loop are translated into pairs of direct current pulses of opposite polarity. The individual pulses are distinguished from each other on the basis of their polar characteristics by a pair of gaseous discharge devices and thereafter impressed successively on a modulator for translation into successively identical pulses of alternating current of certain frequency. At the receiving loop the successive alternating current pulses are rectified and then translated into successively identical steep wave front voltage pulses. These pulses are successively impressed on a pair of similarly poled gaseous discharge devices so arranged as to effect alternately in the receiving loop a period of direct current flow corresponding to a marking signal and a period of no current flow corresponding to a spacing signal. The corresponding marking and spacing signals occurring in both the sending and receiving loops are substantially identical in character.

A modification contemplates imparting distinctive magnitude characteristics to successive marking and spacing impulses of carrier current to avoid persistent inversion of the received signals which inversion might tend to result from the reception of an odd number of spurious carrier current pulses. In this modification, a pilot channel regulator located at the receiving terminal compensates for variations of line attenuation.

The invention will be readily understood from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit illustrating a specific embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 2 shows the action at certain points of Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a combined sending and receiving terminal of an alternating current telegraph system arranged for full-duplex operation such that discrete impulses of alternating current are formed at the sending terminal of a, transmission line and detected at a receiving terminal thereof. This system may be modified for half-duplex operation in a manner that will be hereinafter pointed out. It is to be understood that the arrangernent of Fig. 1 is duplicated at the opposite end of the transmission line to provide a two-way carrier wave telegraph system.

Referring to Fig. 1, a sending loop I is ap plied through a pulse-forming transformer I l and leads I2, I3 and I4 to the control grids of gaseous discharge tubes l5 and I6 arranged in pushpull relation. Included in the leads l2 and M are respective single pole switches I1 and [8 whose function will appear subsequently and which normally rest on a pair of outer contacts l9, 19. The sending loop l0 embodies in series a key 20, a grounded source 2| of direct current potential and the primary winding of the pulse-forming transformer II.

The negative terminal of a source 26 of direct current potential, whose positive terminal is connected to a point 21 common to the cathodes of both tubes l5 and I6, is applied to the control grids of both thereof, through lead I3, secondary windings of the pulse-forming transformer ll, leads l2 and [4, terminals l9, l9 and switches I! and 18. The anode circuit of tube 15 extends through anode resistance 28, primary Winding 29 of transformer 34, source 3| of anode potential, lead 32, to the common point 21. The anode circuit of tube 16 is connected through anode resistance 28a, the positive terminal of the source 3|, and lead 32 to common point 21.

The secondary windings 35 and 36 of the transformer 34 are respectively connected, via source 23 of direct potential, between the signal grids and cathodes of an electron discharge modulator 31 comprising pentagrid converter tubes 31a and 31b connected in push-pull relation. A source 42 of carrier current of certain frequency is connected between the common point 23a of the cathodes and the oscillator grids of both tubes 31a and 3122 whose accelerating grids are connected together, and to a potentiometer arrangement consisting of serially connected resistances 42a and 420 bridged around direct current source 421) which supplies anode potential to both tubes 37a and 31b. The primary winding of input trans-- former 38 is serially connected in both anode circuits of the tubes 37a and 3112, while its secondary winding is applied to the input side of sending filter 39.

The tubes 31a and 31b and the carrier current source 42 serve to apply impulses of alternating current to the transmission line 4| under control of voltages present successively in the transformer 34 in a manner that will be hereinafter described. At all other times the source 23 serves to effectively bias the signal grids of the tubes 31a and 31b to suppress carrier current from the source 42.

Incoming transmission line 46 is applied to a channel receiving filter 41 through an input transformer and a terminal regulating amplifier 48 Whose function will be subsequently explained. The receiving filter 41 is applied to an input winding of a transformer 49 whose split output winding is connected to the diode portion of a diode rectifier-triode amplifier tube 59 of which the triode portion is impressed across the input winding of a transformer 5|. A source 52 of direct potential is applied through the primary winding of the transformer 51 to the anode of the triode. An R-C network 53 serves to supply biasing potential to the control grid of the triode in the usual manner. The diode portion of the tube is arranged for full wave rectification.

The output winding of the transformer 51 extends over leads 54 and 55 to the control gridcathode circuits of gaseous discharge tubes 56 and 51 embodied in receiving loop 44 as will presently be explained, and whose control grids have connected in series therewith respective current limiting resistors 58 and 53. The anode circuit of the tube 51 embodies common cathode terminal 63, lead 6|, source 62 of direct potential, point H3, lead 61, and resistance 68. The anode circuit of the tube 56 is completed through either of the following two paths: (1) common cathode terminal 60, lead 6|, source 62 of direct potential, point 10, winding of sounder 63, key 64, winding 66 of transformer 14, the anode-cathode of the tube 56, and back .to the common point 60; and (2) common cathode terminal 69, lead 6|, source 62 of direct potential, point 10, lead 61, artificial line 14a, lead 12, winding 13 of transformer 14, the anode-cathode of the tube 56, and back to the common point 60. The function of the path (2), called the artificial line path, will be hereinafter pointed out. The windings 66 and I3 constitute the primary winding of a pulse-forming transformer 14 utilized for half-duplex operation in a manner that will be subsequently explained. A common source 80 of direct potential serves to bias the control grids of the tubes 56 and 51 through respective adjustable contacts BI and 82. A capacitor l9 is applied across the anodes of both tubes 56 and 51. 1

Pilot wave regulation embodies at the sending terminal of the line 4| a source 83 of alternating current of suitable frequency and fixed voltage applied through a series tuned circuit 84 across the input winding of the line transformer 48. A single pole single throw switch 84a is connected in series with the tuned circuit 34 and the pilot source 83. At the receiving terminal of the line 46, the received pilot wave is applied through transformer 35, series, tuned circuit 86 and transformer 81 to a diode rectifier 88 arranged for full wave rectification. The rectified pilot voltage is impressed over lead 89 and secondary winding of line transformer 99 to the control grid of a variable mu thermionic amplifier 9| whose output is impressed through transformer 92 onto the input winding of the transformer 45. A source 94 of direct potential is applied through the input winding of the transformer 92 to the anode of the amplifier 9 l.

The operation of Fig. 1 will now be explained in the following order: firstly, full-duplex with successive carrier current impulses having substantially identical magnitudes of envelopes; secondly, half duplex with successive carrier current impulses having substantially identical magnitudes of envelopes; thirdly, full-duplex with sue cessive carrier current impulses having diiferent magnitudes of envelopes; and fourthly, halfduplex with successive carrier current impulses having different magnitudes of envelopes.

In the operation of Fig. 1 arranged to produce and utilize a series of discrete carrier current impulses such that successive carrier current impulses have substantially uniform or identical magnitudes of envelopes, it is to be understood that the two secondary windings 35 and 3B of the transformer 34 embody the same number of turns; that the contacts 8| and 82 of the biasing source 8!! at the receiving terminal are so adjusted that the same magnitude of biasing voltage is simultaneously impressed on the control grids of both tubes 56 and 51; and that the sending key 64 of the receiving loop 44 is in a closed position. When the sending key 20 is in the closed position, direct current flows steadily in the sending loop Ill, and therefore through the primary winding of the pulse-forming transformer l i. This will be assumed to be a marking condition. When the sending key 20 is in the open position, such direct current decays to zero. This will be assumed to be a spacing condition.

For the purpose of this explanation, it is assumed that the sending key 28 has been open for a period sufficiently long that a steady state prevails in the system. This means that, as a consequence of a previous operation, gaseous tubes 16 and 5? are ionized; gaseous tubes 15 and 56 are deionized; and the voltages across the secondary windings 35 and 36 of the transformer 34 are substantially zero. Further, this means that the modulator 3'! does not apply impulses of carrier current to the line M, as the biasing source 23 nullifies the effect of the carrier source 42 on the tubes 31a and 31b.

llhe building up and decay of direct current positive polarity,

from the source 2! in the sending loop 10 through the primary winding of the transformer H for the respective marking and spacing signals is illustrated in Fig. 2A. As is well known, a rising primary current causes the induction of a voltage in the secondary winding of the transformer II in one direction such that as the primary current reaches its steady state value the voltage in the secondary winding will have attained its maximum and then fallen to zero; and a falling primary current causes the induction of a voltage in the secondary winding of the transformer II in the opposite direction such that as the primary current reaches its steady state value the voltage in the secondary winding will have attained its maximum value and then fallen to zero. The voltage in the output winding of the transformer II will then be a series of sharp pulses of alternately opposite polarity, one pulse at the start of each of the marking and spacing signals. Thus, the positive and negative voltage pulses for the respective marking or spacing signals in the sending loop I0 are illustrated in Fig. 213. Accordingly, the positive and negative voltage pulses applied to the respective control grids of the gaseous tubes I5 and It to control ionization therein in the well-known manner are represented as the steep front pulses in Fig. 2B.

As the gaseous tube I5 is assumed to be de ionized, the application of the voltage pulse'cf Fig. 213, to the control grid of the tube I5 in response to a marking actuation of the sending key 20 will institute ionization therein in the well-known manner. As the anode circuits of gaseous tubes I5 and it include individual resistors 28 and 28a respectively, and as the anodes of both latter tubes are directly connected by the capacitor 33, the starting of ionization in the tube l5 causes a drop momentarily in the effective anode voltage applied to the gaseous tube 5 below a value at which ionization can be maintained. Hence, ionization in the gaseous tube I6 is quenched. The application of the voltage pulse of negative polarity, Fig. 2B,

in the control grid circuit of the gaseous tube 16,

in response to a spacing actuation of the sending key 2!] will institute ionization in the latter tube in the well-known manner. Here again the capacitor 33 and resistors 28 and 28a serve to reduce momentarily the effective anode voltage applied to the tube I5 below a value at which ionization therein can be maintained. Hence, ionization in the tube i5 is quenched. Thus the marking and spacing voltage pulses of opposite polarities, Fig. 2B, are efiectively separated and serve to institute alternate ionization in the tubes I5 and IE to produce a flow of current alternately in the anode circuits of the tubes 15 and !6 such that each anode current possesses the wave configuration illustrated in Fig. 20. Consequently, these anode currents are substantially identical in wave pattern in their respective circuits for both marking and spacing actuations of the sending key 20, but flow in opposite directions with respect to junction point 3la of these latter cir cuits.

Ignition and extinction of ionization in the tube l5 cause a fiow of the anode current, Fig. 20, in the winding 29 of the transformer 3%. This serves to induce voltages in each of the windings 35 and 36 coupled to the winding 29. This is achieved in the manner pointed out above in connection with the corresponding action in the loop transformer ll. Consequently, the efiective voltages applied to the signal grid-cathode circuits of the modulator tubes 31a and 31b and due to each of the respective marking and spacing actuations of the sending ke 20 will have the wave shapes shown in Fig. 2B. As the windings 35 and 35 embody the same number of turns, the magnitude of the successive individual voltage pulses, Fig. 2B, will be substantially equal.

Due to the push-pull connection of the modulator tubes 31a and 31b, the positive impulse of the voltage cycle, Fig. 2B, serves to render the signal grid of the modulator tube 37a momentarily positive. This institutes a flow of space current in the output circuit of the latter tube whereby the carrier source 42 is enabled to transmit to the primary winding of its output transformer 38 an impulse of carrier current having the envelope shown as impulse (a) in Fig. 2E. The positive impulse of the voltage cycle, Fig. 2B, is also applied at the same time to the signal grid of the modulator tube 31?) and has no effect on the operation thereof except to drive its signal grid more negative momentarily. Conversely, the negative impulse of the voltage cycle, Fig. 23, has no effect on the operation of the modulator tube 31a, except to drive its signal grid more negativ momentarily, while at the same time this negative impulse renders the signal grid of the modulator tube 31b positive momentarily. This institutes a flow of space current in the output circuit of the latter tube whereby the carrier source 42 is enabled to transmit to the primary winding of the output transformer 38 an impulse of carrier current having the envelope illustrated as impulse (b) in Fig. 2E. Thus, the modulator 31 serves to convert the two voltage impulses of opposite polarity, Fig. 213, into the two carrier current impulses (a) and (b), Fig. 2E, which impulses are provided substantially with equal envelopes for the reason that the effects of the positive and negative impulses, Fig. 23, on the modulator 3'! are substantially the same. Thus, in Fig. 2E, the impuls (a) corresponds to the space-to-mark transition while the impulse (1)) corresponds to a mark-to-space transition. The sending channel filter 39 rounds off the impulses of carrier current, 2E, to form the carrier current impulses 2F which are transmitted to the line transformer 40 such that the impulses (c) and (d) Fig. 2F, correspond to the impulses (a) and (b), Fig. 2E, respectively.

At the receiving terminal the received impulses (c) and (d) Fig. 2F, are applied directly to the receiving transformer 45, thence successively to the channel filter 41, transformer 49, and the rectifier-amplifier 50. The regulating amplifier 4B and associated circuits are not involved in the mode of operation discussed at this point. In the output of the amplifier-rectifier 50, the amplified rectified marking and spacing carrier impulses appear as substantially identical space-tomark and mark-to-space rectified impulses (c) and (1) respectively, Fig. 2G. The space-tomark and mark-to-space rectified impulses (e) and (f), Fig. 2G, are impressed through the transformer 5| onto the control grids of the gaseous tubes 56 and 51. At this point the spaceto-mark and the mark-to-space impulses appear as the respectively identical impulses (g) and (h), Fig. 2H. Each of the latter impulses is impressed in turn on the control grids of both tubes 56 and 51 at the same time. Whichever tube has ionization quenched, that tube will then have ionization instituted therein as the threshold bias provided by the source 80 is counteracted by the impulse (g) or (h), Fig. 2H, by at least a certain minimum amount. Due to the combined action of condenser 19, resistance 68, and the effective resistance of the receiving loop 44, the institution of ionization in one of the tubes 56 and 51 serves to quence forthwith ionization in the other of these tubes. As the tubes 55 and 51 are not arranged in the push-pull relation, the negative loops of both the impulses (g) and (h), Fig. 2H, in nowise affect the ionization or deionization of either of these tubes, such action being influenced exclusively by the steep fronts of the positive portions of impulses (g) and (h), Fig. 2H.

As the tube 56 is assumed to be deionized, and the tube 5! to be ionized, the space-to-mark impulse (g), Fig. 2H, impressed on the control grid of both tubes 56 and 51 at the same time serves to institute ionization in the tube 56 whereupon ionization is quenched in the tube 57 in the usual manner. One portion of anode current of the tube 55, therefore, flows in a circuit extending from positive terminal of source 62, branch point 10, winding of receiving sounder 63, key 64, winding 66 of transformer 14, anode-cathode of tube 56, common terminal 60 and lead 6| to the negative terminal of the source 62. From the branch point 10 another and equal portion of anode current of the tube 56 flows in a circuit including lead 61, artificial line "Ma, lead 72, winding 13 of the transformer 74, anodecathode circuit of the tube 56, common point 60, lead 6i, source 62 and back to the branch point 10. This flow of current serves to actuate the receiving sounder 63 to a markin position t repeat the initial marking condition previously established in the sending loop key 20.

The mark-to-space impulse (h), Fig. 2H, next impressed on the control grids of both tubes 55 and 51 at the same time serves to institute ionization in the tube 51, whereupon ionization is quenched in the tube 55, so that anode current flows in a circuit comprising positive terminal of source 62, branch point 10, lead 61, resistor 68, anode-cathode circuit of tube 51, common terminal 60, lead BI and negative terminal of the source 62. As the extinction of ionization in the tube 55 interrupts the flow of energizing current for the receiving sounder B3 in the previously traced receiving loop 44, such current interruption Will cause the sounder 63 to b actuated in the well-known manner to a spacing position to repeat the initial spacing condition previously established in th sending loop key 20. Hence, the building up and decay of energizing current in the receiving loop 44 is illustrated in Fig. 2A.

Thus the marking and spacing signals effected by th sending key 20 in the sending loop [0 and comprising sustained variable periods of direct current flow interspersed with equally variable periods of no flow of direct current are subsequently established as substantially identical direct current signals in the receiving loop 44. Accordingly, both the initial and final signals are illustrated in Fig. 2A.

While the foregoing is based on closed and open periods of the sending loop in, it is evident that polar signals would accomplish substantially the identical sequence of action.

For the operation of Fig. 1 on half-duplex such that successive space-to-mark and mark-to-space impulses are provided with substantially uniform or identical magnitudes of envelopes, the switches I l and I8 are initially actuated to both inner contacts 95, 95. It will be understood that at the opposite terminals of the lines 4| and 46, not shown, is located equipment identical with that shown in Fig. 1, and further that corresponding switches H and I8 thereat are likewise operated to'corresponding inner contacts 95, 95. This switching operation effectively disconnects the sending loop ID from the line 4|, and simultaneously therewith effectively conditions the loop 44 for both the transmitting of signals to the line 4| and the receiving of signals from the linev 4'6 such that the received signals are isolated from the line 4|.

Such isolation is occasioned by the fact, as previously pointed out, that when a mark-to-space impulse is received from the line 4'5, the ionization of tube 56 is quenched so that no space current flows in either winding 66 or "3; whereas, when a space-to -marl: impulse is received from the line 46 ionization is instituted in the tube 56 and equal amounts of space current are caused to flow in opposite directions in the windings E6 and 13 as indicated by the arrows. Equalization of these space currents may be attained by suitable ad justment of the resistive characteristic of the artificial line Ma. Therefore, it is clear that during both the conditions of deionization and ionization of the tube 56 no voltage is produced in either of the secondary windings 98 or 91 of the transformer 14.

Half-duplex sending is initiated by operating the key 64 to the closed position to transmit to the line 4| a space-to-mark impulse. During such operation, however, it is to be understood that the corresponding key located at the receiving terminal of the line 4|, not shown, is in the closed condition so that the corresponding tubes 58 and thereat are in the ionized and deionized conditions respectively. Next, the key 64 is operated to the open position to transmit to the line 4| a mark-to-space impulse. Such operations of the key 555 achieve precisely the same sequence of operations as that hereinbefore explained in connection with the corresponding operations of the key 2!) in the case of full-duplex operation, whereby impulses of carrier current, Figs. 2E and 2F, are caused to be transmitted to the line 4|.

Thus, primary winding 68 of transformer 14 corresponds to the primary winding of the transformer i, while secondary windings 96 and 91 are connected to the gaseous discharge tubes l5 and 16 in exactly the same electrical relation with respect to the primary Winding 65 as the secondary winding of the transformer bore formerly to the primary winding of the latter transformer in the case of full-duplex operation. Tube 55 is held in the ionized condition when the key 64 is in the open position by the fact that a voltage is applied to the anode of the tube 56 over a path comprising positive terminal of source 52, branch point lil. artificial line 14a, lead 12, primary winding 13, anode-cathode of tube 55, common terminal Eli} and lead 6| to the negative terminal of the source 62. As the amount of space current flowing in the next previously traced circuit is substantially constant, as distinguished from the gradual buildmp and decay of space current in the primary winding 66, no voltage is induced in the associated secondary windings 9- 6 and 91. As a consequence there is no voltage to effect the production of impulses of carrier current from thecarrier source 42 in the manner explained above.

If the distantoperator wishes to break, he

actuates his key 64 to the open position. This effectively transmits a mark-to-space impulse over the'line 46 whereby, in'Fig. 1, ionization is instituted in the tube 51 and ionization in the tube 56 is quenched. This effectively opens the loop 44 in Fig. 1 thereby rendering the operation of key 64 in Fig. 1 further ineffective to transmit signals. Such condition of the loop 44 in Fig. 1 is instantly recognized by the operator of the key E4 in Fig. 1 by reason of the non-responsiveness of his sounder 63 in Fig. 1.

In the operation of Fig. 1 on the basis of fullduplex with successive space-to-mark and markto-spaoe impulses having different magnitudes of envelopes, it is to be understood that initially the number of turns of the secondary winding 36 of the transformer 34 is so adjusted as to effect a predetermined difference between the magnitude of the voltage produced by this winding with reference to the magnitude of the voltage produced by the secondary winding of the transformer 34; and further that the movable terminals BI and 82 of the biasing source 83 are so adjusted as to apply predetermined different amounts of biasing voltage to the control grids of the receiving tubes 56 and 57 so as to be commensurate with magnitudes of the voltages applied to the signal grids of the tubes 31a and 31b embodied in the impulse modulator 31 for reasons that will presently appear.

The performance of the transmitting end of the system of Fig. 1 including the operations of the key 20 and the successive ionization of the gaseous discharge tubes l5 and |5 due to the space-to-mark and mark-to-space transitions is identical with that previously explained for the full-duplex operation of Fig. 1 in the case where the successive carrier impulses possess substantially identical magnitudes of envelopes; and therefore the wave shape of the space current flowing in the primary winding 2'5 of the transformer 34 is illustrated in Fig. 20. However, as the number of turns of the secondary winding 35 is assumed to be larger than the number of turns of the secondary winding 35, the space-to mark transitions which initiate the ionization of tube I5 and the mark-to-space transitions, which cause the ionization of the tube [6, are converted into the different relative magnitudes of voltage impulses illustrated in Fig. 2K. Hence, in Fig. 2K, the impulse (u) is effected by the secondary winding 35 while the impulse (v) is effected by the secondary winding 36.

As in the case of duplex operation described above, the voltage impulses (u) andl (12), Fig. 2K, cause the modulator tubes 31a and 31b respectively, to draw space current alternately whereby the carrier source 42 is enabled to supply the respective carrier current impulses (k) and (7'), Fig. 2L, to the output winding of the transformer 38. In this connection it will be noted that the larger positive impulse, Fig. 2K, enables the tube 31a to transmit the larger carrier current impulse (it) Fig. 2L, while the smaller negative impulse, Fig. 2K, enables the tube 31b to transmit the smaller carrier current impulse (7'), Fig. 2L. The carrier current impulses (k) and (9'), Fig. 2L, appear as the impulses (m) and (n), Fig. 2M, respectively, on the line 4| which impulses possess different relative magnitudes of envelopes.

The carrier current impulses (m) and (n) Fig. 2M, are received over the line 46 and successively applied to the rectifier-amplif1er which effects inthe input winding of the transformer 5| the corresponding unidirectional impulses (0) and 11 (p) Fig. 2N. In the output winding of the transformer 5|, the two unidirectional impulses and (p), Fig. 2N, assume the respective configurations (s) and (t), Fig. 2?, and are impressed alternately and successively on the control grids of both tubes 56 and 51 at the same time. As the biasing voltage applied to the control grid of the tube 56 is larger than that impressed on the control grid of the tube 51 as previously pointed out, only the impulse (s), Fig. 2P, is capable of instituting ionization in the tube 56, the impulse (t), Fig. 2P, being inadequate for this purpose. It is to be noted that the impulse (s) Fig. 2?, is also sufiicient to institute ionization at the same time in the tube 51, but as the latter tube is already ionized due to a previously received mark-to-space transitional impulse (assumed), the effect of the impulse (s), Fig. 2P, on the tube 51 is nil. The receiving tubes 56 and 51 are, therefore, actuated to cause the sounder 63 embodied in the loop 44 to reproduce the marking and spacing signals of the sending key 20 in the manner hereinbefore described in connection with the full-duplex operation of Fig. 1.

In the operation of 1 on half-duplex with successive carrier current impulses provided with magnitude discrimination, the aforementioned adjustment of the relative number of turns of the secondary windings 35 and 36 of the transformer 34, and the different magnitudes of biasing voltage impressed on the control grids of the receiving tubes 56 and 51 are maintained identical with the above-mentioned operation of Fig. 1 on full-duplex with magnitude discrimination. The operation of Fig. 1 on half-duplex with mag-- nitude discrimination is the same as the previously described operation of Fig. l on halt-duplex, except in the former operation the successive carrier current impulses are provided with different magnitudes of envelopes. For the purpose of this illustration, the space-to-mark impulses are provided with the larger envelopes and the markto-space impulses with the smaller envelopes. Therefore, the receiving terminal in Fig. 1 is arranged to discriminate between the carrier current impulses of different magnitudes of envelopes exactly in the manner set forth hereinbefore in connection with the full-duplex operation of Fig. 1 with magnitude discrimination as illustrated in Figs. 2K, 2L, 2M, 2N and 2P.

The carrier current impulses of different mag nitudes of envelopes, Fig. 2M, prevent permanent turnover between spacing and marking functions of Fig. 1 when the turnover is occasioned by receiving an odd number of false impulses due to interference in a manner that will be presently explained. According to the above explanation, the institution of ionization in the sending tube l5 results in the institution of ionization in the receiving tube 56 while institution of ionization in the sending tube I6 results in the institution of ionization in the receiving tube 51. If tube 51 is accidentally ionized while the tube I5 is also ionized, or if the tube 56 is ionized while the tube I6 is ionized, it is obvious that incorrect signals will occur in the sounder 63. However, the magnitude discrimination between the space-to-mark and mark-to-space impulses, Fig. 2M, prevents error beyond a single transition for the following reason:

Let-

V=the larger voltage magnitude to ionize tube 56. v=the smaller voltage magnitude to ionize tube 51.

In the last three cases, the effect of the next legitimate pulse is as follows:

Tube ionized Case Magnitude of next pulse Before Aftei pulse arrives Result pulse amves Actual Desired 6.-.. Smaller 56 57 57 Sequence rcstored. 7 .(lo .57 57 57 D0. 8 Larger 56 57 56 Error. 9.. (1o 57 56 56 Sequence restored.

In case 8, the transition is incorrectly received, but since the next signal is perforce of the smaller magnitude, it finds tube 51, which it should ionize, already in that condition, and since its magnitude i insufiicient to ionize 55 the normal sequence is restored forthwith.

In the operation of Fig. 1 with magnitude discrimination as above explained, pilot wave regulation provides the space-to-mark and mark-tospace impulses arriving at the primary winding of the receiving transformer 45 with substantially the same relative magnitudes of envelopes that these impulses had when they were applied to the sending terminal of the line 4|. Such regulation prevents the mark-to-space impulse of the lesser magnitude of envelope, Fig. 2M, from instituting ionization in the tube 56 when the attenuation of line 4| is relatively low; or the spaceto-mark impulse of the greater envelope, Fig. 2M,

from failing to institute ionization in the tube 56 when the attenuation of line 4| is relatively high; such regulation also has thejurther advantage of minimizing the eiIects of interference on line 4| or 45.

In the operation of the specific pilot wave regulator illustrated herein, a pilot alternating current wave of suitable frequency provided by the source 83 is applied through the series tuned circuit 84 and line transformer 46 to the sending end of the line 4|. At the receiving end of the line 46, this pilot wave is rectified in the rectifier 88 and the rectified voltage across the resistor 18 is utilized to control the gain of the variable mu amplifier 9|. As the pilot wave undergoes the same line attenuation as the transmitted spaceto-rnark and mark-tospace impulses, the receiving terminal amplifier 48 serves to maintain the envelopes of these impulse substantially at desired relative magnitudes as illustrated in Fig. 2M. The switch 84:: may be utilized to disconnect the pilot source 83 from the line 4| during intervals when no intelligence is being transmitted.

In the above-explained operations of Fig. 1 on the basis of both full-duplex and half-duplex, both with and without magnitude discrimination, the successive impulses of carrier current are transmitted on the line for timin purposes only, the durations of such impulses being, from a time standpoint, only sufficient to allow the receivin apparatus to respond to and indicate the occurrences of transitions. Hence, carrier cur rent is utilized only for the purpose of transmitting intelligence, and is disconnected from the line during other periods. In the latter periods, it is obviously unnecessary to transmit pilot current for regulation purposes; and therefore pilot current may also be utilized only during intervals when carrier current is being utilized to transmit intelligenc and may be disconnected from the line during other periods.

Although the invention has been illustrated in connection with the use of metallic lines and a manually operated sending key, it is obvious that the invention may be expeditiously utilized in radio signaling systems as well as telegraph printers to produce marking and spacing impulse in systems involving metallic lines or radio systems. Further, it is to be understood that individual carrier current impulses can be interchanged to represent either mark-to-space or space-to-marl transitions without affecting the performance of the system.

What is claimed is:

1. An alternating current signal transmission system comprising a source of alternating current, a transmission channel therefor, means for preventing the transmission of alternating current from said source to said channel at all times except when intelligence is being sent, means for producing voltages indicative of mark-to-space and space-to-mark transitions to identify the beginnings and endings of marking and spacing signal elements, and means controlled by said voltages to transmit impulses of alternating current from said source to said channel, said last means including means for causing the transmission of alternating current impulses of successively different amplitudes.

2. A carrier current transmitting system comprising a transmission line, source of carrier current, circuit means including a pair of electron apparatus for controlling the connection of said source to said line, both said apparatus being biased for effectively disconnecting said source from said line during idle periods, means for producing a. voltage of certain polarity to identify a signal transition from mark-to-space or spaceto-mark, means including a pair of gaseous discharge devices arranged to ionize alternately in response to the certain voltages produced by the signal transitions, and means responsive to ionization in one of said devices for producing further voltages of such magnitude and polarity as to overcome the bias alternately on each of said apparatus and thereby cause electron flow alternately in both said apparatus, each of said apparatus during the electron flow therein transmitting carrier current from said source to said line.

3. A carrier current transmitting system comprising a transmission line, a source of carrier current, means including a pair of electron discharge devices arranged in push-pull for connecting said source to said line, said devices being normally biased to cut-oil to prevent transmission of carrier current from said source to said line, means for producing voltages to identify signal transitions from mark-to-space and space-to-mark, means including a pair of gaseous discharge tubes arranged to ionize alternately in response to the voltages produced by the signal transitions, and a transformer having a primary winding connected in the output circuit of one of said tubes and two secondary windings, each secondary winding being connected in the input circuit of a respective one of said devices, and impressing on the input circuits of respective devices, in response to successive ionization and deionization in said one tube, respectively opposite voltage sufficient to overcome the normal bias alternately on said devices and to cause said devices alternately to transmit carrier current impulses from said source to said line.

i. A carrier current transmitting system comprising a transmission line, a source of carrier current, means including a pair of electron dis charge devices arranged in push-pull for connecting said source to said line, said devices being normally biased to cut-off to prevent transmission of current from said source to said line, means for producing voltages toidentify signal transitions from mark-to-space and space-tomark, means including a pair of gaseous dis charge tubes arranged to ionize alternately in response to the voltages produced by said signal transitions, and a transformer having a primary winding connected in the output circuit of one of said tubes and two secondary windings having unequal turns ratios with reference to said primary winding, each secondary winding being connected in the input circuit of a respective one of said devices, said transformer in response to ionization and deionization in said one tube impressing voltages of unequal magnitudes and alternate polarity on the input circuits of respective devices to overcome the normal bias alternately thereon to unequal extents and thereby cause said devices to transmit carrier current impulses of successively unequal magnitudes from said source to said line.

ANDREW L. MATTE. 

